Opt-out option incoming for recent authenticator security change
by Michael Sacco 
Jul 26th 2011 at 8:00PM
The change, aimed to make authenticators less of a hassle for those who log on from the same computer quite a bit, caused an odd uproar on the official forums from players who were worried that this change somehow made their account less secure. Addressing these concerns, Blizzard Community Manager Zarhym announced today that Blizzard is working on providing an opt-out option for this convenience feature.
Details were scarce since, as Zarhym noted, Blizzard hasn't quite nailed down specifics yet, but he assured players that it's something Blizzard's been looking into since the authenticator change was first announced.
The full announcement post and followups are after the break.
About the Recent Authenticator Change
We understand the concern many players have with the recent Battle.net authenticator changes. To that end, we're exploring the idea of adding an "Opt Out" option within Battle.net Account Management, which would then force the prompt for an authenticator code whenever you log into World of Warcraft.
To be clear, we have gone to great lengths to ensure Battle.net accounts and authenticators provide players with a high level of security. Maintaining a safe and secure Blizzard gameplay environment remains a top priority for us.
To be clear, we have gone to great lengths to ensure Battle.net accounts and authenticators provide players with a high level of security. Maintaining a safe and secure Blizzard gameplay environment remains a top priority for us.
About the Recent Authenticator Change
We've been discussing the best way to implement new options for this feature since the moment it was announced. We don't yet have additional details about exactly how we might implement the feature, or whether it's something you'll need to opt out of by default, or opt into by default.
The news is already rolling out for the upcoming WoW Patch 4.2! Preview the new Firelands raid, marvel at the new legendary staff, and get the inside scoop on new quest hubs -- plus new tier 12 armor!Filed under: News items, Account Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Tolkfan Jul 26th 2011 8:03PM
I have a PC, I don't have and don't want a MAC address! It offends me greatly!
Triques Jul 26th 2011 8:12PM
That would be a Media Access Control (MAC) Address, it's like the permanent id for your computer.
lyswood Jul 26th 2011 8:14PM
MAC address has nothing to do with the fact you have a PC. Read and calm down. =)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address
Kay Jul 26th 2011 8:31PM
Yes, he knows what a MAC code is, he's making a joke.
Pocky Jul 26th 2011 8:31PM
lawl
Kay Jul 26th 2011 8:32PM
Well, MAC address. A MAC code is something else entirely, but let's not get into that.
Drakkenfyre Jul 27th 2011 9:24AM
One of the stupidest things I have ever seen was on the Nintendo Wii technical help message board. It was the official board, and it used players to answer other players questions.
Someone asked about the possibility of the Wii getting a virus, using the web browser, and surfing the internet. Someone replied and said the Nintendo Wii used a MAC address, and Macs didn't get viruses, so you didn't have to worry about it.
I know it was probably a kid, but still, I couldn't believe the level of "what the hell?" of that.
gobuywow Jul 26th 2011 8:05PM
Okay, this would be very convenient for some guys, but is this really safe for every one?
jonblaze81 Jul 26th 2011 8:08PM
Great,
This minor issue gets addressed within a month of going live; yet no appearance tab. Shows where the priorities lay.
Rainee Sue Jul 26th 2011 8:15PM
I'm gonna go WAY the hell out on a limb here and say "mechanism to opt out of new thing and go back to old thing" is probably going to be a good deal easier and quicker to implement than "brand-new feature that nothing else the game is remotely like".
dj.clayden Jul 26th 2011 8:16PM
I would say player's perception of their account security should be significantly higher up on the "fix this" list than the lack of armour/appearance customisation.
eclipse Jul 26th 2011 8:35PM
So security to you is only a "minor" issue but a purely cosmetic feature that has nothing to do with anything is considered not minor?
And you're worried about Blizzard's priorities... hmm. Look in the mirror.
Gaurisk Jul 26th 2011 8:52PM
I'll join Rainee Sue out on that limb and assume that account security and art assets are handled by entirely different sets of employees.
Cephas Jul 26th 2011 9:11PM
This is a battle.net / login server issue. The people who are working on this feature probably don't do any work on the actual game itself.
MattKrotzer Jul 27th 2011 8:06AM
Security over style?
Sounds like they've got their priorities right where they're supposed to be.
Also, there's been requests for an appearance tab for YEARS. I'll believe it's coming when I see it. Not before. It's not like it's the Dance Studio or Path of the Titans.
Chill out.
Drakkenfyre Jul 27th 2011 9:24AM
I guess you also missed where they said they didn't want to do an appearance tab?
They have said over and over they don't want people being able to disguise their gear in PVP, and said the artists do alot of hard work on the gear, and don't want their work covered-up with old stuff.
The "we don't have anything to announce", "we're looking into it" is just a "stop asking us the question" they have used lately.
Fathertouk Jul 26th 2011 8:10PM
This is neat. I know a lot of parents used to use an authenticator as a way to allow their kids to play for limited time. The idea was that if the parent has the authenticator, the kid can't log on and play for 8 hours while mom is at work or whatever.
Besides that, if you share a computer or have multiple players in the same household, you don't have to worry about something nefarious going on anymore. Good change.
yoshi_900 Jul 26th 2011 8:20PM
Wouldnt those people have to get your username and password still? and if they are in the same house and someone hacks your account wouldnt u just like kick their ass?
Vee Jul 26th 2011 8:46PM
Or you could just not share your password...
Koleckai Jul 26th 2011 8:30PM
Or they could just use the Parental Controls built into the Battle.Net account.